Brooklyn Rider and two members of Masters of Persian Music.
Ancient and refined, Persian classical music remains one of the hidden gems of world traditions – hidden until recently, that is. With beautiful poetry by Rumi and other Sufi poets, soaring vocals, exquisite melodies and powerful rhythms, this music is now winning an increasing number of listeners among classical and world music enthusiasts.
One of the key reasons for this growing audience? The Masters of Persian Music, an ensemble that has produced several sold-out North American tours and a Grammy award-winning CD.
The current incarnation of the Masters of Persian Music (the group has changed membership over the years) is kicking off a thirteen-city, three-week North American tour soon, with a show at Roy Thomson Hall on February 5. This tour, titled “Three Generations,” spotlights the talents of two of the pre-eminent figures in Persian classical music: Hossein Alizadeh, maestro of the Tar (plucked lute) and Kayhan Kalhor, the world’s greatest virtuoso of the Kamancheh (spike fiddle). Also featured is the remarkable young vocalist Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh, the leading disciple of the legendary Mohammad Reza Shajarian.
If you aren’t yet among the burgeoning ranks who have come to appreciate the intricacy of Persian music this show will be the perfect place to start. And if you already are, it’s a rare chance to hear some of the genre’s foremost artists in action.
Alan Davis is the Founder and Executive Director of Small World Music.
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